• maporita@unilem.org
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    1 year ago

    While the transfer is unlikely to alter the battlefield it is an important political statement of commitment. It also integrates the Ukrainian air force with NATO systems and allows them to use the same ordnance without modification. The aircraft data links can connect to ground based systems such as Patriot which should improve defense against Russian cruise missile attacks. But the planes lack stealth capability and are highly vulnerable to Russia’s S-400 anti-aircraft batteries. So no game-changer but welcome nevertheless.

  • Joris@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    That’s what you get when you don’t take any responsibility for taking down MH17. And starting a kleptocratic war.

  • Olap@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    So my father has been of the opinion that this is it. Russians lose after air support and ukraine gains superiority. I keep telling him WW1 is the blueprint here however.

    Who is right?

    • Hubi@feddit.de
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      1 year ago

      I’d say these are both pretty extreme perspectives. The F16 is not going to be the wonder weapon that leads to instant victory because Russia still has a lot of anti-air capabilities and the F16 is not a stealth platform. It will however have a role in countering their air raids and long range missiles.

      While there are some parallels to the trench warfare of WW1, the constant capture and subsequent loss of ground is not what’s been happening. There is (slow) progress being made at multiple fronts. I’d say a more accurate comparison could be to the allied breakout from Normandy in WW2.

      In any case the F16s will be a valuable weapon in Ukraine’s combined arms.

    • wwaxen@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Last I was told neither side wants to be too bold with their aircraft because they can’t overcome air defence. Unless Ukraine can overcome combined Russian AA and aircraft and really run amok, it can only be seen as one key piece in a large picture.